Is the Mountain Feist or the Parson Russell Terrier better for families with children?

The Mountain Feist tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Mountain Feist or the Parson Russell Terrier?

The Mountain Feist and Parson Russell Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Mountain Feist or the Parson Russell Terrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Mountain Feist or Parson Russell Terrier bigger?

Mountain Feist and Parson Russell Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Mountain Feist or Parson Russell Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, Mountain Feist or Parson Russell Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Mountain Feist and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Mountain Feist vs Parson Russell Terrier: Better With Kids?

Mountain Feist vs Parson Russell Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Mountain Feist	Parson Russell Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	High	High
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	15 years	15 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Mountain Feist is a small but sturdy breed that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Parson Russell Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Mountain Feist is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Parson Russell Terrier is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Mountain Feist needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Parson Russell Terrier needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Mountain Feist trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and suits families with children particularly well. The Parson Russell Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Mountain Feist will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Parson Russell Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Mountain Feist and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Mountain Feist has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Mountain Feist and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Parson Russell Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Mountain Feist and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Mountain Feist if you want the more child-friendly companion.

Choose the Parson Russell Terrier if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Mountain Feist on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Mountain Feist or the Parson Russell Terrier better for families with children?: The Mountain Feist tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Mountain Feist or the Parson Russell Terrier?: The Mountain Feist and Parson Russell Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Mountain Feist or the Parson Russell Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Mountain Feist or Parson Russell Terrier bigger?: Mountain Feist and Parson Russell Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Mountain Feist or Parson Russell Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Mountain Feist or Parson Russell Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Mountain Feist and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Mountain Feist vs Parson Russell Terrier